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Wasserman-Schultz Touts E-85 Gas

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MIAMI (CBSMiami.com) – As drivers across South Florida and the nation continue trying to pinch every penny possible to buy their next tank of gas; Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman-Schultz is renewing a push for E-85 gas.

Wasserman-Schultz was in South Florida Friday touting the cheaper gas both in grade and in price. She was specifically highlighting U-Gas, which has stations across the area that sell E-85 at prices of 25 cents per gallon less than regular unleaded.

“This gas station is one of 23 in South Florida owned by Urbieatoil that sells E85,” Wasserman-Schultz said about a station in Southwest Ranches, “a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline that can be used in eight and a half million cars and trucks already on the road today in the U.S.”

Ethanol is a blend of grain alcohol and gasoline and at a quarter a gallon cheaper, it could be the thing that many drivers need. But it’s still a hassle to find E-85, even for drivers who can use it.

“It’s very difficult,” said driver Tony Soto. “I have an app that tries to locate the E-85 gas stations because they are few and far between.”

That’s where researchers in South Florida are trying to help by making ethanol production even more economical.

“We are looking at ways of reducing the cost with biomass, anything green,” said XXXX. “This is seaweed, it grows in the water here. We can extract ethanol. This is the future we can bring to the plate.”

Still, even with ethanol being touted, most cars can’t use the fuel and that means more pain at the pump for the majority of drivers.